Epps, who was a two-year letterwinner for the ETSU women's program soccer program, transferred over to the Lady Buccaneer cross country squad at the beginning of the season. The Cookeville, Tenn. native showed great potential, as the multi-sport student-athlete claimed the women's course title by clocking in at 20:17.

Meanwhile, as Epps was winning gold in the women's bracket, another Buccaneer newcomer shined on the men's side. Freshman (Ryan) Jones captured the men's crown in the 5K run after turning in a time of 18:35.

Other ETSU notables included sophomore Tori Jones' (Marshall, N.C.) and junior Terra Haggard's (Morristown, Tenn.) respectable performances. Both Jones and Haggard recorded exact times of 22:58 in their season debut.

The ETSU men's cross country team returns to action on Friday afternoon when the Bucs compete at the 21st Annual Crimson Classic on Friday, Sept. 18; while the Lady Bucs head over to Boone, N.C. to race in the Mountaineer Open.